Does anyone have the new VAC Phi 300 amplifier?

07-28-07: Fplanner2000
So far, at about 70 hours, I am amazed at how much better my system sounds than with my prior amp, the McC DNA-500. The bass is actually a little deeper, a little faster and much more palpable than before. If I wasn't hearing it, I wouldn't believe it, since the DNA-500 is excellent in that area.

I'm not surprised whatsoever. My VAC Phi 110/110 was so much more musical and alive than a DNA-500 I heard in my system that it wasn't even close.

I almost always used my Phi 110/110 in the Ultriode/Zero negative feedback mode. It resulted in a 3D presentation that you could almost walk into. Why did I sell that amp again? :)

I don't know Tvad, but I'm glad you did cuz I've enjoyed the heck out of it since you sold it to me. I think it will arrive Tuesday with the new update. I'm very curious to see what the new design has to offer, but I'll admit I've been a little nervous because I really had little to nitpick with the amp to begin with. If it hadn't been for the 300 series owners and Kevin raving about the differences I would have never really considered it. We'll see...

Fplanner2000,

How is the 300.1 sounding after 70 hours? My experience with the 300 was that the bass and the holographic imaging and soundstage really improved dramatically after about 60 or 70 hours. Just curious as to whether you are experiencing the same. Now you appreciate first hand why it is such an awesome amp.

Vac_man - Ive been out of town a lot over the past 7 weeks or so dealing with a family emergency and have been "unplugging" my system so the dog-sitters don't try to even touch my audio gear (if it doesn't lite up, there's no temptation to play with it, right?). Consequently, I haven't had much of an opportunity to break-in the amp. It seems I am always playing catch-up as it starts to get really nice and then its time to leave town again. Hopefully this traveling will let up soon so that I can spend some more time listening and enjoying. I will say that the bass has been very impressive so far, even with all the interruptions of the power supply. I'll be able to post additional impressions hopefully by month's end.

I've now had some time to break in my 300.1 and I am very impressed. In a nutshell, it just does everything extremely well. Its the most revealing, dynamic and musical amp I've ever heard. I haven't been able to hear what the amp and my gear can REALLY do due to the limitations of my prior speakers. That has recently changed, as I've sold my Whisper speakers and have a new pair of Von Schweickert VR-7SE's in my garage waiting to be uncrated and put into my system. Both Kevin at VAC and Albert at VS have agreed that this combination should be something very special, as they have sounded extremely well together at past shows in what can best be described as "challenging" rooms. I can't wait.......